Anyone have GI issues after going off an SSRI antidepressant

Posted by beva @beva, Apr 21 4:42pm

I have ulcerative colitis that is well controlled with Entyvio. I warned off my SSRI antidepressant in November 2024 and since have had recurring abdominal gas, belching, indigestion ever since. I’ve lost 22 lbs , have no appetite, and intermittent nausea. Been scoped upper and lower. Upper just showed mild GERD ( taking Pepcid) nothing else. I’m miserable and want to feel better. Ps I’m an “old” nurse 🤣

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dlydailyhope | @dlydailyhope | Apr 22 6:54am

@beva
Which SSRI were you on, what dosage and for how long were you on it? I understand there is a link between the brain and gut and this may be why you are having gastrointestinal problems. Have you tried taking a probiotic?

How long have you been on Entyvio? One of the side effects is nausea.

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/entyvio-side-effects
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-entyvio-side-effects
3. https://resources.healthgrades.com/drugs/entyvio-side-effects
4. https://www.verywellmind.com/ssri-discontinuation-syndrome-378682
5. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/going-off-antidepressants
6. https://psychcentral.com/lib/ssri-discontinuation-or-withdrawal-syndrome
7. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/expert-answers/antidepressant-withdrawal/faq-20058133
8. https://psychiatryresource.com/articles/antidepressant-serotonin-withdrawal-symptoms

beva | @beva | Apr 22 8:46am

In reply to @dlydailyhope "@beva Which SSRI were you on, what dosage and for how long were you on it?..." + (show)

Prozac off and on for many years for dysthymia. Been on entyvio over 2 years without any nausea symptoms. Yes to the Brain -gut connection. I’m starting pro biotics to see if it helps! Thanks for your thoughtful response!

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Apr 24 3:17pm

Tagging a few members on Connect who may have some thoughts and information about having gastrointestinal (GI) issues after going off an SSRI antidepressant @sarah60 @secretwhitepop @fotula @skim3737 @icwborn @lisag03 @icwborn. @aethos @pvctom2021 @catmomma also may have some input for you.

How are you feeling today, @beva?

beva | @beva | Apr 24 4:27pm

In reply to @lisalucier "Tagging a few members on Connect who may have some thoughts and information about having gastrointestinal..." + (show)

Some better thanks!

skim3737 | @skim3737 | Apr 25 1:15am

I've been on SSRIs for almost 20 years and haven't stopped using them at any point but I do have a bounty of GI problems. Why did you stop the SSRI? Have you tried going back on it to see if symptoms resolve? Of course the gut-brain connection is obviously being affected by stopping the meds. As far as the group of symptoms that you're describing sound like it might be a good idea to get tested for SIBO and more importantly, I wonder if it might be gastroparesis? The symptoms you describe share similarities with both SIBO and gastroparesis. I hope you can find a good GI doctor and get some answers!